When to Prune Cedar Hedges

Trim cedar hedges in early spring if the effect desired is to make them fuller. Pruning the sides of the hedge all the way around encourages growth outward. However, be cautious, remove only a minimal amount, without destroying any of the top's new bud growth.

Prune the hedge in late spring if the idea is to reduce the height of the bush. Trim several inches, as desired, but no more than about one-quarter of the entire hedge’s growth. Use sharp hedge shears that make clean cuts, without ripping or tearing at the branches.

Prune cedar hedges thoroughly around the middle of summer if the idea is to encourage healthy growth overall. Prune from the top down and around, making certain not to cut away any of the important older wood located in the center of the bush.

Trim cedar hedges in a slightly inverted pattern for the winter. Keep the top slightly more narrow than the bottom so that all of the bush’s branches can absorb the sun necessary to keep it developing properly. This shape also helps the bush shed snow that might accumulate on it, moving it to the bottom of the hedge where the growth is stronger and more capable of handling damage.

Shape the hedge in early autumn only if necessary, but be careful not to prune the bush too deeply. Open or sparse areas left inside the hedge can open it up to problems if the winter is particularly brutal and cold. Delicate branches that haven’t had enough time to strengthen and grow may crack, resulting in serious damage inside of the bush. Additionally, insects and small animals may see this as an opportunity to use the bush as a home, making it hard for the hedge to generate new growth the following spring.